Wait

Psalm 79:1-9

...How long, O Lord? Will you be angry for ever?

...Do not remember against us the iniquities of our ancestors;

let your compassion come speedily to meet us,
for we are brought very low. Help us, O God of our salvation,

for the glory of your name; deliver us, and forgive our sins,
for your name’s sake...
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"How long?" is a tough question.

When asked, it means that someone is waiting.

Waiting is not easy.

"Are we there yet?"

Not yet.

"How long?"

"A little while longer."

Some of my toughest moments as a pastor have come when faithful people, going through times of great difficulty, ask me with all honesty, "how long is God going to keep doing this?"

The writer of psalm 79 has seen "the worst that could happen." Violence, exile, extreme loss and brokenness.

Even so, he doesn't give up. A plea for Jerusalem...offered to God...in faith...for his name's sake.

"Help us...deliver us..."

Don't give up. You're almost there.

Prayer: So many times we do not understand the great brokenness that we see in our world. Give us hearts that break and move us to proclaim and act upon the good news of Jesus Christ. Hold us fast, even in the most difficult of days.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end, Amen.

Tomorrow's Scripture: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1